How Long Can A Dog Take Theophyline? - Fixanswer

Theophylline is available by prescription in 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg, Extended Release (ER), tablets. The usual dose in dogs is 4.5 to 6.8 mg/lb

every 12 hours

. The usual dose in cats is 2 mg/lb every 8 to 12 hours.

How long should theophylline be taken?

At first, the dose is 12 to 14 milligrams (mg) per kg of body weight per day, divided and given

every 4 to 6 hours

. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the total dose is usually not more than 20 mg per kg of body weight per day or 600 mg per day.

Is theophylline safe for dogs?

Theophylline is commonly used in humans, but it is not FDA approved for use in animals in the United States.

It is approved for use in cats and dogs in the United Kingdom

. Theophylline is available by prescription only, either through a human pharmacy or purchased directly from your veterinarian.

What is theophylline used for in dogs?

Theophylline is used as a bronchodilator in both dogs and cats

to treat bronchoconstriction and inflammation associated with chronic inflammatory lower airway disease and feline asthma

.

What happens when you stop taking theophylline?

Withdrawal of theophylline therapy resulted in significant (p < 0.05)

deterioration in lung function, exercise performance, and two indices of overall dyspnea, and a significant increase in scoring of symptoms and auscultation findings

.

Does theophylline help dogs with collapsed trachea?

Bronchodilators for dogs with collapsed trachea (such as theophylline, terbutaline, or albuterol)

may be prescribed to open the airways within the lungs to allow more oxygen to reach the bloodstream

. These medications can be prescribed in pill form or inhaled form.

Can theophylline cause anxiety in dogs?

Theophylline has been shown to cause stomach irritation and nervous system stimulation.

Anxiety and restlessness are common side effects of treatment in dogs

. Other potential adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Seizures can occur if the animal receives a significant overdose.

How do you treat a collapsed trachea in a dog?

Antibiotics.
Cough suppressants.
Steroids (oral and inhalant using an aerodawg device)
Bronchodilators.
Sedatives.

Does theophylline need to be tapered off?

Explain to patients that

it may be necessary to titrate the dose of theophylline slowly upwards until a stable therapeutic level is achieved

. During an exacerbation of COPD, reduce the theophylline dose by 50% if a macrolide (such as erythromycin) or fluoroquinolone (such as ciprofloxacin) is prescribed.

How do you give a dog theophylline?

It is extremely important to administer the medication exactly as prescribed by the veterinarian. When administering Theophylline in tablet form,

the tablet needs to be swallowed whole, not chewed

. Give this medication to your pet exactly as your veterinarian prescribes.

Can you stop theophylline abruptly?

Do not stop or change the dose of this medicine without checking first with your doctor

. Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you or your child are using this medicine.

Why does my dog keep coughing gagging like he’s choking?

If you observe a cough that involves a choking sound coming from your dog, then the chances are that

some sort of disease has infected your dog

. Common causes of this symptom include reverse sneezing, pneumonia, kennel cough, heart disease, collapsing trachea, or a foreign object in the throat.

How can I help my dog breathe better at home?

Run a humidifier

: A humidifier will loosen and eventually reduce the amount of mucous in your dog’s lungs. A cold-moisture humidifier works best to add moisture to the air in your house. Consider adding a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil to the humidifier to make it easier for your dog to breathe indoors.

What are the signs of respiratory distress in a dog?

Coughing.
Difficulty breathing.
Gagging after coughing.
Nasal congestion.
Exercise intolerance.
Fainting.
Wheezing.
Blue gums.

What are the signs and symptoms of theophylline toxicity?

Nervousness.
Insomnia.
Central respiratory stimulation.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Tremors.
Hyperesthesia.
Focal and generalized seizures that progress to status epilepticus in 25%

What are the common side effects of theophylline?

Nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, headache, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, irritability, restlessness, nervousness, shaking, or increased urination

may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Should theophylline be taken with food?

Take theophylline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Take this medication with a full glass of water on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal

.

How long can a dog live with collapsing trachea?

A dog with a collapsing trachea will survive for

up to two years

after being diagnosed. A dog’s survival with this disease can be doubled to 4 years or more with surgical operations. You can help a dog live a longer life by taking extra precautions to help them treat their symptoms.

Can a dog survive a collapsed trachea?

But in truth,

many dogs live a good life with a collapsed trachea (windpipe) for years

. Only at its most severe stage is the condition life-threatening. Although there’s no cure, a collapsed trachea can be managed with medication, lifestyle adjustments and sometimes surgery.

How fast does tracheal collapse progress in dogs?

Tracheal collapse is

typically mild at first and continues to get worse over time

, producing coughing, wheezing, gasping for breath, and difficulty eating and drinking. This usually happens gradually and is graded as mild to severe in four stages.

What does spironolactone do for dogs?

Spironolactone is a diuretic that is used in dogs and cats

to treat congestive heart failure and other conditions where the body retains excess fluid

.